Getting stronger

Published on October 19, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, Texas – Prior to the start of the 2004-05 Central Hockey League season, many people were already looking at the Corpus Christi Rayz as one of the more talented teams in the league. On Tuesday, the Rayz added tremendously to that talent with two big signings. The Rayz have signed forwards Jason Baird and Doug Scatchard for the upcoming season, Rayz General Manager/Senior Vice President, Larry Linde announced.

Baird, 24, comes to Corpus Christi with a big-name reputation as one of the CHL's elite players. He spent the last two years with the Indianapolis Ice after turning pro in 2001 with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. Jason has increased his point total in each of his three professional seasons. The 6'1, 205lb. Baird, originally from Cayuga, Ontario, is one of the most versatile players in hockey today. Last season, Baird's numbers were remarkable. He led the Ice in points (79), penalty minutes (196), plus-minus rating (21), shots (301) and games played (64). In addition, Baird was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2004 Dodge CHL All-Star Game after he led his team to victory with a hat trick plus an assist.

"This is such a boost for our hockey club," said Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae, who coached Baird for the past two seasons in Indianapolis. "Jason is one of those guys that you love to have and hate to play against. He plays the game with an edge. He's a skilled forward that plays with a lot of grit and intensity. His presence alone makes our team that much stronger."

Baird was the only player in the CHL last season to be in the top ten in league scoring and top 15 in league penalty minutes. He was originally traded to Corpus Christi earlier in the summer, as part of a ten-player deal with the Topeka Tarantulas (formerly the Indianapolis Ice), however elected to begin the year in Europe playing for the Guildford Flames in the British National League. In 14 games this season, Baird was the leading scorer on the team with eight goals, 11 assists and 108 penalty minutes.

The good news for the Rayz didn't stop at Baird. Corpus Christi added another solid forward in Doug Scatchard. Scatchard, 23, makes his way to the Rayz after spending last season with the now defunct, Roanoke Express of the ECHL. In his rookie season, Scatchard put up solid numbers, totaling ten goals and 22 points, while topping the century mark for penalty minutes with 107. Scatchard is 6'0", 195 lbs. from Sakmon, Arm, British Columbia. Prior to turning pro, hr played at Minot State University – Bottineau. Doug is the younger brother of Dave Scatchard – the seven-year veteran NHL forward who currently plays for the New York Islanders. Both Scatchard and Baird will join the Rayz immediately, in time for the start of the regular season this Friday night in Austin. In preparation for the regular season, the Rayz also placed forwards Aaron Blair, Lorne Misita and Michael Mueller on waivers, along with defenseman Ryan Francke.

The Corpus Christi Rayz will begin their seventh professional hockey season on Friday, October 22nd in Austin as they take on the Austin Ice Bats. The Rayz will play the first four games on the road before returning home on November 5th for their home opener and the first ever event in the all-new AmericanBank Center. Individual tickets start as low as $10 and group packages are available. Make your plans to be there as the Rayz open the doors on Corpus Christi's newest attraction. Call the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK for more information.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 19, 2004


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